Chappie, an R-rated science-fiction film directed by Neill Blomkamp (of District 9 and Elysium fame), has been out in U.S. theaters for over a month now, but it still hasn’t been released in Japan due to the time it takes to be translated and dubbed.
During that time a storm has been brewing over the film, starting a few days ago when Sony Pictures Japan released a controversial statement: the movie will be censored and edited down to a PG-12 rating.
Japanese netizens who were looking forward to the film are upset over the watered-down version they will be getting, and even though Sony claims to have the support of the director, Neill Blomkamp himself insists he knew nothing about any such cuts.
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Police in Japan warn of scam artists posing as cops to collect fines for breaking new bike rules
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
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Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
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Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
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Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
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Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Police in Japan warn of scam artists posing as cops to collect fines for breaking new bike rules
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Secret Tokyo night view spot is also a great meeting place away from the crowds
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Uniqlo Pokémon T-shirts coming to Japan this summer, in 24 crazy designs
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Town destroyed by 2011 earthquake and tsunami creates anime based on stories of residents
61-year-old Japanese fisherman falls off boat and defies odds to swim to safety
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Fading Tokyo – Horikiri Station, the Arakawa River, and Kinpachi-sensei[Walking course]
Half-Japanese woman hands card to people who ask tiresome questions about her race